Container sealing machine



Dec. 23, 1947. R, MERQ 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 ShQBtS'ShBBt 1 I J r -410 N Dec. 23, 1947. I MERO 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 23,1 947. R. M. MERO CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July1, 1942 NW %\N w. \m I wqm l. h. E: N .1 %u N Q Q QNN H QW %%N lww mw Nm &

Deg 23, 1947. R. 9. MERQ 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 J79 i i\fl 2 w J w w J 167 j, {27 1 yg 15 ""3 .K I \i i r i b 1 J19 K E Y-$111": 1 2.20 I

Dec. 23, 1947. R. M. IMERO 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE- Filed July 1, 1942- 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 R. M.MERO CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 166COMPLETE Dec. 23, 1947. v

R. M. MEI-2O 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 23,1947. R. M. MERO CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 23, 1947. R, M, MERO 2.433.057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 l2 Sheets-Sheet 9 Dec. 23,1947. R. M. MERO CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12Sheets-Sheet 10 Maw;

Dec. 23, 1947. MERO v 2,433,057

CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Dec. 23,1947. R. M. MERO CQNTAINER SEALING MACHINE Filed July 1, 1942 12Sheets-Sheet 12 I f 2 m Patented Dec. 3, 1947 7 nental Can Company, Ina,New York, N. 1., a V

corporation of New York Applicationluly 1, 1942, semi No. 449,301

This invention relates to container sealing,

machines and more particularly to mechanism for effecting andcontrolling the operation of container-sealing machines of the generalclass of the machine disclosed in thecopending application of George F.Jackson, Serial Number 406,529, filed-August 12, 1941, now Patent2,327,- 430. i

a machine orthe character stated including a The machine disclosed inthe copending application embodies a seaming chamber, a containerrotating chuck in thechamber, seaming means manually engageable with acontainer rotated by the chuck, a container supporting pad movabletoward' and from the chuck, means for drawing a vacuum in the chamber,and means for gassing the chamber after the vacuum is drawn and prior tothe seaming operation.

A general object of the invention is to provide a machine of thecharacter stated, with operating mechanisms and interlocking controlsfor insuring that the proper steps for conditioning the container andits contents for sealin in the chamber.

21cm, (01. see-ear the chamber door for moving a container 7 andcontainer end relatively toward each other. Another object or theinvention is to provide sealing chamber provided with a door, and poweroperated mechanism responsive to opening of the sealing chamber door formoving a sealed container away irom seaming mechanism housed Anotherobject or the invention is to provide a machine of the kind referred toincluding seaming mechanism and a one-revolution clutch controlled bytrip mechanism tor driving the seaming mechanism for apredeterminedperiod in response to a single stroke of a manuallyoperable control member. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the kindreferred .to includin seaming mechanism and interlocking control meansfor preventing operation thereof until a container and container endhave been placed relatively in position ready to be seamed.

will be performed before the sealing operation is started.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved and simplefluid pressure operated mechanism for moving a container and containerend into position for being seamed.

Another object of the invention is to provide power operated mechanismfor first moving a container and a container end'towards each otherwithin a sealing chamber until separated by a small predetermined space,and for thereafter automatically continuing the relative movement inresponse to establishing of a predetermined gaseous condition in thesealing chamber,

Another object of the invention is to provide power operatedmechanismfor moving a container in steps to the sealing positionincluding a force-transmitting spring adapted to be loaded when thecontainer is arrested in spaced relation to the container end, andadapted to unload by moving the container further and into seal ingposition. 1

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated including mechanism for effecting movement of a container intosealing position in responseto establishing of a predetermined gaseouscondition in a chamher in which the sealing operation is to beperformed. e

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated including a sealing chamber provided with a door, and power thechamber with the atmosphere in response- Another object or the inventionis to provide a machine of the. kind referred to including a sealingchamber adapted to be closed by a door andmeans for establishingcommunication of touniatching oi the door to thereby equalize pressureon opposite sides oi'the door and facilitate itsbeingopened.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated including a sealing chamber adapted to be closed by a doorequipped with a latch, and an improved keeper cooperable with the latchand yieldable to permit relieving of abnormal pressure in the chamber.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated including new and improved means for adjusting the parts forreceiving and sealing cans of diflerent sizes.

Another object or the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated including new and improved means for vacuumizing and gassingasealing chamber. Y

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the kindreferred to including new and improved container ejecting -means con--structed to minimize the likelihood of becomin stuck or jammed inprojected position. v

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of thecharacter stated having optionally operable power means and manuallyactuatable means for moving a container and operated mechanismresponsive to closing or container end relatively into sealing position.

ure 7;

Other objects will become apparent from a readingoi the following detaildescription, the appended claims, and the accompanying draw- 1118s.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a sealing machine embodying theinvention;

Figure 2 is a side view on an enlarged scale, partly in elevation andpartly in section, the parts being shown in the position they occupywhen a can and can end are cooperatively positioned in readiness forseaming;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a machine embodying the invention anddrawn on a larger scale than Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlargedfragmentary vertical section on the line 4-4- of Figure 3 some partsbeing omitted in order that other parts may be shown more clearly, theillustrated parts being shown in the positions occupied when a can hasbeen raised toward a can end but has been arrested to leave a smallspace between the can and the can end;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical section on the line 5-5 of Figure 2and drawn on an enlarged scale;

Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6-6 .of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view showing a part of a machine frame insection and showing an operating lever and manually operable treadle inelevation;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of Fig- Figure 9 is a section onthe line 9-9 of Figur 7;

Figure 10 is a section on the line ill-l0 of Figure 4; V

Figure 11 is an elevation or face view of a first operation seamingroller cam;

Figure 12 is an elevation or face view of a second operation seamingroller cam;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic development of the first operation cam shownin Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic development of the second operation camshown in Figure 12;

Figure 15 is an enlarged vertical section through a one revolutionclutch mechanism mounted on a shaft which carries the cams shown inFigures 11 and 12;

Figure 16 is a vertical section on the line I 6-l6 of Figure 15 showinga clutch trip finger in clutch disengaging position;

Figure 17 is a top view partly in plan and partly in section, showing aclutching tripping mechanism;

Figure 18 is a section on the line l8-i8 of Fig-' ure 1'7;

Figure 19 is a view similarto Figure 16 but, showing the clutch tripfinger in released position and showing the clutch engaged;

Figure 20 is a .vertical section on the irregular lines 20-20 of Figure10;

Figure 21 is a fragmentary elevation of a portion of a sealing chamberdoor, and showing a 1 door latch and relief valve mechanism operable inconnection therewith;

Figure 22 is a horizontal section on the line 22-22 of Figure 21;

Figure, 23 is a vertical section on the line 23-23 of Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a diagram showing electrical connections and valvedconduits for controlling the operation of a fluid pressure motor and fordrawing a vacuum in and gassing a sealing chamber;

Figure 25 is a sectional view showing the position of a control valverotor for closing communication between the sealing chamber and both asource of vacuum and a source of gas suppl Figure 26 is a view similarto Figure 25 but showing the control valve rotor positioned to providecommunication between the gas supply and the sealing chamber;

Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 25 but showing the valve rotorpositioned to provide communication between a vacuum pump and a sealingchamber;

Figure 28 is a sectional view of another valve showing its rotorpositionedto connect a fluid pressure motor cylinder with theatmosphere;

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 28, but showing the valve rotorpositioned to provide communication between the fluid pressure motorcylinder and the vacuum pump;

Figure 30 is a fragmentary front elevation of a container lifting rodassembly and mechanism applied thereto for adjusting the assembly toadapt it for operation in sealing cans of different sizes;

Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 30 but with some parts shown insection and with the parts shown in positions for adjustment differentfrom the positions shown in Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a section on the line 32-32 of Figure 31.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention includes a frame A on whichis mounted a sealing chamber B formed with an access opening b adaptedto be closed by a door B. A bracket I carried on the frame A supports amotor C which is connected through a pulley and belt drive 2 to an inputshaft 3 of a seaming head unit gen- 7 erally designated D;

A pad element 4 is mounted for vertical movement in the sealing chamberB for holding a can indicated at X in position tohave applied thereto acan end indicated at Y held on a magnetic chuck element 5 also mountedin the sealing chamber 13 In operation, the can X is placed on the pad 4while the latter is in its lower position, and the closure B is thenclosed. The bad 4 and can X may then be raised partially but are notmoved up far enough to bring the can into engagement with the can end Yuntil a desired predetermined gaseous condition has been established inthe sealing chamber B. After the proper condition has been establishedwithin the chamber B, the pad 4 is raised further and the can and canend are seamed.

The seaming is accomplished by mechanism housed within the casing 6 ofthe head unit D and driven by the shaft 3. The seaming mechanismincludes a first operation roll 7 journalled as at 8 on an arm 9 pivotedas at ID on the frame casing 6. Fast with the arm 9 is an arm llcarrying a cam follower roller i2 engaging a first operation cam l3. Asecond operation seaming roll I4 is journalled as at I5 on an arm I6pivoted as at H on the unit casing 6. An arm l8 fast with the arm i6 isprovided with a follower roller l9 engaging a second operation cam 20.The arms 9 and I6 may be adjustable as at 9* and I6 respectively, in themanner disclosed in the patent to Kronquest 1,752,912 granted April 1,1930.

As indicated diagrammatically in Figure 24,

- the sealing chamber B may be evacuated by a valve 29. For gassing thechamberthere is proposite sides of the reducing valve 30 respectively.

Preferably a ballast tank 34 is connected to the conduit 29 and isprovided with a safety valve 35 and vacuum pressure gauge 36.

As shown in Figures 25, 26 and 27 the control valve 23 includes a handle24, a rotatable element- 23 formed with a cut-out 23 the arrangementbeing such that the conduit 25 leading to the chamber B may be cut offentirely as shown in Figure 25, or it may be placed in communicationwith the gas conduit 29- as shown in Figure 26,

or it may be placed in communication with the vacuum conduit 22 as shownin Figure27.

Power for lifting the pad 4 may be supplied by a fluid pressure motorgenerally designated E. As shown in Figure 24, a conduit 3'l'leads fromthe motor E through a speed control valve 38 to a pad lifting controlvalve 39 which is operated by the opening and closing of the door B. Asshown in Figures 28 and 29, the valve 39 includes a rotatable element 39formed with a diametric passage 39 and a radial passage 39 at rightangles to and communicating with the passage 39*. The arrangement issuch that the valve may be positioned as shown in Figure 28 so as toprovide communication between the conduit 31 and an opening 40 leadingto the atmosphere,

thlsbeing the position of the valve whenthe door B is open. When thedoor is closed, the valve element 39 will be moved to the position shownin Figure 29, wherein the passages 39 and 39 provide communicationbetween the conduit 3i and a conduit 4| in constant communication withthe conduit 22 and consequently with the vacuum pump 2!.

In accordance with the invention, interlocking means are provided forassuring that the operations will be performed in proper sequence sothat no can can be sealedif any'essential step has been omitted. In atypical operation, starting with the door B open and with the pad 4 inits power position, a can is placed on the pad 4' and a can end isplaced on the magnetic chuck 5, The door 5B is closed whichautomatically will effect operation of the motor E to raise the canuntil its top edge is spaced approximately oneeighth of an inch belowthe can end,'the parts then being automatically arrested. Thereafter,

the establishing of the'desired condition in the chamber B willautomatically efiect further raising of the can' until-it has beenbrought into engagement with the can end and is ready for the sealingoperation. The seaming rolls 1 and i4, are then brought sequentiallyinto operation by the actuation of a lever 42 which controls mechanismfor rotating the cams Band 20 which move the rolls 1 and i4 intoseamingposition. After the seaming operation has been performed, the door B isopened and the can pad 4 is automatically lowered so that the sealed canmay beremoved. Having in mind the general interrelation or interlockingengagement of the parts outlined in the foregoing, the particular mechand the interlocking controls will be understood from the more detaileddescription which follows. I

In order that the chamber. B will =-be tightly .sealed when the door Bis closed, the latter is recessed to receive a gasket 43. As shown inFigures 21, 22 and 23, the door B is provided with a latch bolt 44having a tapered outer end 45 adapted to be received in acorrespondingly tapered opening 49 formed in a keeper 41. The keeper ismounted for sliding movement in a lug 48 projecting from a wall of thechamber B and is urged away rromthe access opening b by a "spring 49interposed between the lug 48 and a For withdrawing the bolt 44 so as topermit opening of the closureB", the bolt is formed with a rack portion52 .engaged by a pinion 53 secured to a shaft 54 by a key 55. The shaft54 is journalled in a cap 56 mounted on the door B, the outer end of theshaft being equipped with a handle 51 keyed to the shaft as at 59.Rocking of the handle 51 will rotate the shaft 54 and pinion 53'so as tomove the rack portion 52 and the bolt 44 until the end 45 thereof hasbeen displaced from the keeper opening 46, thereby leaving the door freeto be opened.

In order to hold the bolt 44 against turning about its longitudinalaxis, it preferably is formed with a longitudinally extending groove 59into which a ball 60 is pressed by means of a spring 9| housed in abore62 in the door. A plug 93 closes the bore 62 and serves as a seat forthe spring 61.

It is desirabl to place the chamber B in communication with the outsideatmosphere before withdrawing the bolt 44 preparatory to opening thedoor B. For accomplishing this, a valve 94 is arranged to controlcommunication of the chamber with the atmosphere through a passage 65formed in a stud 66 secured to the door by a nut 81. The'valve 94 isshown as being of a conventional type and includes an operating wing 68.An arm 69 held in place on the wing 69 by screws I0 is pivoted as atll-to the lower end of a link I2, the upper end of which is pivoted asat 13 to arcck arm 14 secured to the handle 51 by a screw I5.

In operation, when the handle 51 is rocked upwardly, i. e.,counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 21 to withdraw the latch bolt fromthe keeper, the

. rock arm 14 also willbe rocked counterclockwise and will lower thelink 12 to rock the arm 69 and thereby rotate the valve wing 68 to openthe valve and permit the interior of the chamber B to communicate withthe atmosphere through the passage 95 and the valve 64; Rocking rthelatch handle 51 in the opposite direction for moving the latch bolt intoengagement with th keeper will actuate the arm [4, link l2,and arm 69 soas to closethe valve 84.

Referring now to the mechanism for mountin the can pad element 4 and formoving it to posi-' tion a supported can X in readiness for sealing, arod 761s mounted to reciprocate and rotate in a bearing l1 carried by aframe mounted bracket 18 and a bearing 19 in the bottom wall of thechamanism for effecting movement oftheseveral parts her .8. Packing 99providesa seal to prevent leakage of air or gas around the rod II. Thepad 4 is equipped with a stub axle 8| rotatable in a bearing 82 recessedin the top of the rod 18. An antifriction bearing assembly 83 preferablyis interposed between the pad 4 and the top of the rod 18.

An exteriorly threaded sleeve 84 mounted on the rod I3 is provided withears 85 vwhich may be clamped tightly against the rod II by bolts 88.

An internally threaded collar part 81 has threaded engagement with thesleeve 84 and is adapted to be adjustably positioned longitudinally ofthe rod I8 by being rotated on the sleeve 84. For locking the collar inadjusted position, it may be formed with a slit 88 and equipped with ascrew 89 adapted to force apart the metal on opposite sides of the slitto cause the threads of the collar to bind on the threads of the sleeve.

The collar BIis formed with a circumferential groove 90 which receivesoppositely disposed pins 9| and 92 carried by the bifurcated end of anactuating part or lever 93 pivoted as at 94 on the frame A. Mechanism tobe described later is provided for rocking the lever 93 in order toraise the rod "I5 and pad 4 to move a supported can X into position forseaming. In accordance with the invention, adjustments may be made forplacing cans of different heights in seaming position without its beingnecessary to move the pivot 94 of the lever 93 or to change the range ofmovement of the lever 93. A preliminary approximate ad- Justment is madeby loosening the bolts 85 and lowering the rod I6 relatively to thesleeve 84, if large cans are to be seamed, or raising the rod I8 ifsmall cans are to be seamed. The approximate adjustment having beenmade, the bolts 88 are tightened and a final and precise adjustment ismade by loosening the screw 89, turning the threaded collar 81 on thesleeve 84, and then retightening the screw 89. The adjusting meansdescribed above has the advantage of enabling any necessary adjustmentsto be made for adapting the machine for difierent sized cans withoutdisturbing the mounting of the lever 93 or the parts which actuate it.

The fluid pressure motor E for operating the lever 93 to lift the cansto sealing position, includes a cylinder 95 and a power actuatablepiston member 98 mounted to reciprocate therein. A rod 91 connected tothe piston extends downwardly for pivotal connection as at 98 to amechanism lever 99 pivoted as at I on the frame A.

The lower end of a vertically extending link IOI is pivoted as at I02gtothe lever 99. The top end of the link MI is reduced in diameter as atI03 and passes through a swivel block I04 pivoted on a pin I05 securedto a boss I06 on the'lever 93 by a set screw I01. The swivel block I04is formed with an opening I08 which snugly receives the link reduced endI03 for sliding movements. The link reduced end I03 also extends throughan opening I09 in the pin I05, the opening I 09 preferably beingenlarged as shown in Figure 6 to permit slight rocking movement of thelink I03 with respect to the pin I05,

A washer III) is interposed between the bottom of the swivel block I04and a shoulder III on the link I02, and yieldable means are provided forholding the block I04 down against the washer I I0. In the form shown,the link reduced end I03 is threaded to receive a'nut II2 which acts asan abutment for a washer H3 which forms a seat for a force transmittingspring II4 which abuts against the top of the swivel block I04.Adjustment of the nut H2 on the link end portion I03 8 will vary thepre-loading of the spring 4. A lock nut I I5 may be provided for holdingthe adlusting nut H2 against accidental rotation.

A spring H8 interposed between the pivot I02 and a bracket I II on theframe A normally holds the link IOI elevated, holds the piston rod 91and piston 98 down. and holds the rod I8 and can D 4"in their lowerpositions.

In operation, when the piston 98 is moved upwardly by evacuation of thecylinder 95, the rod 91 will be raised to rock the lever 99 and pulldownwardly on the link II. The downward pull of the link IOI will betransmitted through the nut H2 and spring II4 to the, swivel block I04and pin I05, moving the latter downwardly to,

rock the lever 93 clockwise as viewed in Figure 2 so as to raise the rodI8 and the can pad 4.

In accordance with the invention, th raising of the can pad is stoppedautomatically" when the top edge of the can X has reached a positionabout one-eighth of an inch below the can end Y held through and forsliding movements in a bracket H9 secured to the frame by bolts I20. Therod H8 is threaded adjacent its upper end to receive a nut I2I held inadjusted position by a locking nut I22. Stop arms I23 pivoted on thebracket II9 as at I24 extend under the nut I2I 0n opposite sides of therod H8. Normally the arms I23 are held in the position shown in Figure 5by a stop I25 carried on arms I26 pivoted a at I21! on the bracket II9.When the arms I26 are rocked to the position shown in dotted lines inFigure 5, the stop I25 will move from under the arms I23 so as to permitthe latter to swing downwardly about the pivot I24, thus releasing thenut I2I and red I I8 for slight further downward movement. The springII4, having previously been loaded, will then expand to move the swivelblock I04 downwardly so as to rock the lever 93 and raise the rod I6 andpad 4 further until the top edge of the can X is in engagement with thecan end Y in readiness for the seaming operation.

In'accordance with a feature of the invention, the final raising of thecan into engagement with the can end as shown in Figure 2 is effectedautomatically in response to establishing of the desired gaseouscondition in the chamber B. For accomplishing this automatic control, arod I28 is mounted to slide in a bearing I29 secured to the frame A andis pivoted as at I30 to the stop I25. A spring I3I interposed betweenthe bearing I29 and a shoulder I 32 of the rod constantly urges the rodI28 and consequently the arms I28 and stop I25 to the positions shown infull lines in Figure 5 wherein. the stop I25 is in operative engagementwith the arms I23.

As shown in Figure 3, a rod I33 mounted on and extending from the casingof the valve 23 is provided with a collar I34 on which i anchored oneend of a spring I35, the other end of which is connected to an arm I36rotatable in unison with the valve handle 24. The spring I35 yieldablyholds the valve rotor 23 in neutral position as shown in Figure 25. Anextension I31 on the valve handle 24 is formed with a, heel I38 adaptedto engage a collar I39 on the rod I28 when the valve is moved to theposition for admitting gas to the chamber B.

In operation, when the valve handle 24 is rocked 243 indicates that thedesiredpressure has been established in the chamber B the handle 24 ismoved further to move the rod 28 d dis a i the stop I25 from the stoparms I23 as previously explained. As soon as the stop I25 has beendisengaged from the arms I23. the latter can move to permit the rod I I3to move downwardly so that the previously loaded spring I I4 may expandand rock the lever 93 to raise the rod 16 and pad 4 and move the can Xup into engagement with the can end Y as shown in Figure 2.

At times it may be'desirableto operate the rod I02, the lever 93, andthe rod 96 manually instead of by means of the fluid pressure motor E.Manual op ration may be accomplished through the medium of anyconveniently disposed operating part actuatable by an attendants hand orfoot. In the form shown, a treadle .member I40 equipped with a foot padI is pivoted as at I42 on the lever 99 and overlies a flange I43provided on the lever 99. The lower surface portion of the treadle I40between the pivots I02 and I42 serves as a pressure face I44 engageablewith a pressure face I45 on the top of the lever flange I43 to provide aoneway drive connection between the treadle and the lever 99. Thus, whenthe treadle I40 is depressed so as to rock counterclockwise, thepressure face I44 will bear upon the pressure face I45 and the treadleand lever 99 will have to rock together about the pivot I00. However, ifthe fluid motor E is operated for actuating the link WI and the partsconnected thereto, the lever 99 may be rocked counterclockwise by themotor I E even though some obstruction should come between the bottom ofthe treadle I40 and the base of the frame or the floor. Consequently,the treadle I40 may yield so as to prevent damage to the machine orinjury to an operators foot should it inadvertently be extended underthe treadle.

In the preferred procedure for adjusting the apparatus for sealing cansof a particular height, the bolts 86, which clamp the split collar 84,andthenuts I2I and I22 on the rod III; are backed off. A can with acover resting loosely thereon is placed on the pad land the rod 16 israised until the can and cover are pressed firmly against the chuck 5.While holding the can and cover in this position, the treadle I 40 ispressed down as far as it will go and the screws 86 are re-tightened.Then the set screw 89 is loosened and the collar 81 is turned untilthere is a predetermined gap. preferably about one-sixteenth men betweenthe swivel block I04 and the washer IIO n the link MI. The correctpo'sitioningof the parts also may be determined by the position of thepin I relative to a fixed'point or mark on the frame A. The set screw 99is then tightened. This adjustment should be made with the piston 96 atthe limit of its upstroke. The nuts I2I-I22 are thenre-set so that thenut I2I will engage the stop arms I23 when the can X is spaced thedesired predetermined distance, for example one-eighth inch, below a canend Y held by the chuck 5; If the chucking pressure exerted by thespringl I4 is not just right after the parts Preferably the have beenadjusted-aa-"explained-above. aifflnal adiustment may be made by turningthe-nuts II2II3ontherodlll.

The hydraulic motor E preferably is operable 5 in response to movementoithe door B for raising the can support 4 when the door is closed and vfor lowering the can support when the door is open. To this end,'a hingepin I46 pivoted in 7 through the passage 39 and opening 40.Consequently, atmospheric pressure will act upon both the upper andlower faces of the piston 96, and

the piston will be moved to. its lower position by v the spring I|6which will return the can pad 4 to its lower position. When the door isswung to closed position, the hinge pin I46 will turn so as to move thevalve rotor 39"- to the position shown in Figure 29 wherein the cylinder95' communicates through the conduit 31, the passages 39 and 39* withthe conduit 4I leading to the conduit 22 and the vacuum pump 2|.Evacuation'of the cylinder 95 will effect raising of the piston 96 andlowering of the rod IN to elevate the can pad 4 in the manner previouslydescribed.

The seaming of the cans and applied can ends is effected by rotatingthem and sequentially pressing the first and second operation seamingrolls 1 and I4 into engagement with the seamforming can and can endportions. The can and can end are rotated by'the chuck 5 which ismounted on a sleeve I50 launched in bearings I 5I and I52 on the casing'6 of the seaming unit D. Packing I53 held in place by a gland memberI54 prevents leakage of gas or air around the sleeve.

at I56 to the sleeve meshes with a bevel gear =I5I keyed at I56 to theshaft 3 which is journailed in bearings I59 .and I60 on the casing 6. Iv

When the machine is in operation or prepared for operation, the shaft 3and consequently the chuck 5 will rotate constantly. However, the

positions as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 10, and are moved intoand maintained in operative positions only when called for by theoperator and only for a predetermined period of operation. The mechanismfor effecting movement of the seaming rolls 1 and I4 to their operativepositions includes the first and second operation cams I3 and 20 and aclutch for transmitting to the cams driving effort suflicient induration to efiect only 00 a single revolution of each cam.

s The first operation cam I3 is keyed as at I6I to a shaft I62journalled in antifriction bearings I63 carried by the casing 6, thedirection of rotation of the cam I3 being indicated by the arrow 65 I64in Figure 11. .As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the first operation camincludes a low dwell porportion I61, a-more gradual rise portion I68, ahigh dwell portion I69, and a drop ofl. portion I10.

Figure 11- shows approximately the relative positions of the cam I3 andfollower roller I2 when the cam is at rest before a seamingoperation hasbeen begun. When the cam starts to rotate, the steep rise portion I66will engage the roller I2 to move the latter and rock the arm II formoving For driving the sleeve I50, a bevel gear I55 keyed seaming rolls1 and I4 normally are in retracted Q tion I65, a steep rise portion I66,agradual rise the first operation roller I into seaming position.

During further rotation of the cam, the gradual rise portions I61 andI68 will move the roller I2 progressively further to effect increasingpressure of the seaming roll 1 upon the seam. The sealing pressure willbe maintained while the high dwell portion I68 is passing in contactwith the roller I2, and finally the drop of! portion I18 will pass thefollower roller I2, permitting the seaming roll 1 to be moved back toits inoperative position. The cam will "then have been returned to theposition shown in Figure 11 and will come to rest.

The second operation cam 28 is keyed as at I1I to the shaft I62 androtates in the direction of the arrow I12 shown in Figure 12. The cam 28includes a low dwell portion I13, a steep rise portion I14, a gradualrise portion I15, a high dwell portion I16, and a drop of! portion I11.In operation, after the cam 28 begins to move, it will rotate in thedirection of the arrow I12 in Figure 12 until the low dwell portion I13has moved past the follower roller I9. During this time no movement ofthe roller I9 will take place. After the low dwell portion I13 haspassed the roller I9, the latter will be engaged consecutively by thesteep rise portion I14, the gradual rise portion I15, and the high dwellportion I16 for moving and holding the second operation seaming roll I4in seaming position. Finally-the drop ofif cam portion I11 will pass theroller I9, permitting the second operation seaming roll I4 to beretracted and the cam 28 will be brought to rest.

It will be seen that during a single revolution of the shaft I62 and thecams I3 and 28, there first will be a period during which the firstoperation seaming roll is brought into seaming position while the secondoperation seaming roll I4 remains inactive, after which the secondoperation seaming roll will be moved to operative position and the firstoperation seaming roll will be moved to inactive position. Finally thesecond operation seaming roll will be moved to its inactive position.

Figures 11 and 12 are marked to indicate angular extents of the severalportions of the cams I3 and 28. Cams having the rise, dwell, and dropoff portions of the angular extents indicated, are best adapted for usein the illustrative embodiment of the invention, but it will beunderstood that the angular dimensions of the cam portions are notdisclosed in limitative sense.

The clutch mechanism for imparting a single revolution to the shaft I 62and the cams I3 and 28 is driven from the shaft 3. A worm I18 keyed asat I19 tothe shaft 3, meshes with a worm wheel I68 supported on abushing I8I carried by the shaft I62, the worm I88 being free to turnwith respect to the shaft I62. An internally toothed clutch ratchet ringI82 is secured to the worm wheel I88 by rivets I83 and surrounds arotatable hub member I84 keyed as at I85 tothe shaft I62. A pawl I86pivoted as at I81 on the hub I84 is adapted to drivingly engage theteeth of the ring I 82 as shown in Figure 19.

The pawl I86 is urged into its ring engaging position by a plunger I88mounted to slide in a bore I89 in the hub and being pressed against thepawl I86 by a spring I98. The worm gear I88 and consequently the ratchetring I82 are driven in the direction of the arrow I9I in Figure 19, 50that when the pawl is in its ring engaging position, the hub I84 and theshaft I62 will be driven by the worm gear I88.

Normally, however, the pawl I86 is held depressed as shown in Figure 16by means of a clutch trip finger I92 keyed as at I93 on a rock shaft I84pivotally mounted in the seaming head casing 6. When the pawl I86 isheld depressed, it is out of engagement, with the ratchet ring I82 sothat rotation of the latter will not drive the hub I84. Consequently theshaft I62 and the cams I3 and 28 will remain stationaryeven though theshaft 3 and chuck 6 rotate continuously.

The trip finger I92 occupies a zone of limited extent circumferentiallyof the hub I84 and normally is held in clutch-disengaging position by aspring I95 secured at one of its ends to a pin I96 on an arm I91 securedas at I98 to the shaft I94. The other end of the spring I95 is anchoredto the casing 6 as at I99. A screw 288 carried by the arm I81 isengageable with the casing 6 for limiting movement of the arm I91, theshaft I94, and the trip finger I92 under the urge of the spring I95.

15 and also shown in Figure 16. When the hub I84 has nearly completed asingle revolution, the pawl I86 will move into the circumferential zoneof the trip finger I92 and will engage the trip finger I92 and be cammedor moved out of engagement with the ring I82 so as to bring the hub I84to rest in the position shown in Figure 16.

The engaging and disengaging of the clutch is effected by mechanismactuatable by the manually operable lever 42 secured to a shaft 28Ipivoted in a boss 282 on the casing 6. A bifurcated arm 283, fixed tothe shaft 28I by a key'284, is equipped with a pivot pin 285 whichmounts a finger 286 urged to the position shown in Figure 18 by a spring281. A heel 288 on the finger 286 is engageable with a stop face 289 onthe arm I98 for limiting movement of the finger 286 under the urge ofthe spring 281. A finger 2 l8, keyed as at 2 to the rock shaft I94,normally engages the finger 286 so as to be held in the position shownin Figure 18, wherein the shaft I 94 and trip finger I92 secured theretoare maintained in their pawl holding position shown in Figures 15 and16.

In operation, when the operating handle 42 is given a single strokedownwardly, the arm 283 and finger 286 will move clockwise as viewed inFigure 18, thereby rocking the finger 2I8 and shaft I94 counterclockwiseagainst the urge of the spring I95 so as to'move the trip finger I92 tothe position shown in dotted lines in Figure 15. Thus, the pawl I86 willbe permitted to engage the ring I82, and the hub I84, shaft I62 and camsI3 and 28 will be driven.

When the finger 286 passes out of contact with the finger 2I8 during thesingle operating stroke of the lever 42, the finger 2I8 will be free tobe returned to the position shown in Figure 18. Consequently the springI95 will rock the shaft I94 and the trip finger I92 will be returned toits pawl holding position before a complete revolution of the hub I84,shaft I62 and cams I3 and 28 has been effected.

When the operating lever I96 'is'returned to its Initial position, thetop surface 212 of they finger 286 will engage the finger 2 III. Thespring under the finger m" until the arm 20: has been of the clutchcontrol handle 42 to eifect engaging of the clutch except when the canpad 4 is raised to its uppermost position and the can X is in contactwith the can end Y and in readiness for sealing. As shown in Figures 2and 5, the

. aeaaobv 7 except during an actual can ejecting operation.

rod H8 previously referred to, extends upwardly beyond the bracket H9 tobe guided for sliding movement in a guide lug 2!6 on the frame A (see,Figure 2). When the can pad 4 is in a position other than itsfullyraised position, the top of the rod 8 will extend above the lug 2! 6 soas to overlap the lower end of the arm l9! as shown in Figure 16 and toact as a stop to prevent swinging of the arm. In operation, when the canpad 4- moves to its completely raised position, the

rod H8 will move downwardly beyond the lower end of th arm !9! as shownin Figure 2, leaving the arm !9'! free to be rocked when the clutchcontrol lever 42 is moved to rock the shaft !94 and clutch trip finger(92. Thus, the top of the rod !!8 acts as a stop cooperable with the armI9! for preventing engagement of the clutch and. operation of theseaming means except when the can and can end are placed in readinessfor sealing. The stop comprised by the upper end of the rod 8 isresponsive to placing of the can and can end in readiness for sealing,for permitting operation of the clutch. Means are provided for forciblydislodging a sealed container from the magnetic chuck 5. An ejector stem2!!! is mounted to slide vertically within the sleeve I59 and isprovided at its lower end with a knock-out pad 229. Intermediate itsends, the stem is formed with a, reduced portion 22! slidable in abearing 222 secured as at 223 inside of the sleeve I50. The upper endportion of the stem is further reduced as at 224 and is equipped with acollar 225. A packing washer 226 surrounding the stem portion 224 abutsagainst the bearing 222. Packing material 22! is positioned between thewasher 226 and an upper washer 228 pressed downwardly by a spring 229interposed between the washer 228 and the collar 225. The spring 229serves to compress the packing material 22! as well as to urge the stemH9 and knock-out pad 22!! to their upper or retracted positions.

For'projecting the stem 2!!! downwardly, a rod 230 is mounted forvertical sliding movements in a guide 23! on the unithead casing 6, therod 230 being axially aligned with the ejector stem.

2!9. A spring 233 interposed between the top of the guide 23! and acollar 234 on the rod 230 normally-holds the rod elevated so that itslower end is spaced above the top of the stem 2l9.

A lever 235 pivoted as at 236 on the casing 6 overlies the top of therod 230-andis adapted, upon being depressed, to push downwardly on therod 23!), causing the latter first to move into engagement with theknock-out stem 2l9and then to move the stem and pad 220 downwardly toeject the sealed container. Normally the lever 235 and-rod 23ll'are notconnected to the stem M9 and the rod 23!! is spaced above the stem 2l9Consequently the likelihood of the ejectors sticking in proiectedposition is minimized.

The operation of'the valve 23 for controlling the vacuumizing andgassing of the chamber B, and the operation of the valve 39 forcontrolling the operation of the motor'E hasalready been described. Thecontrol means shown in Figure 24' further includes means forautomatically cutting ofi the flow of gas to the chamber B when apredetermined gas pressure has beenbuilt up in the chamber. In the formshown, the cut oif valve 3! is arranged to be operated by a solenoid Aconductor 238 leads from the cylinder to one side 239 of a currentsupply line. A conductor 240 leads from the cylinder through a switch24! to a conductor 242, which is connected to the other side 243 of thecurrent supply line. The switch 24! is adapted to be operated by meansgenerally indicated at 244 which communicates through a conduit 245 withthe interior of the chamber B. The means 244 is re.- sponsive toattainment of the desired pressure in the chamber B for operating theswitch 24! and solenoid 23'! to close the valve 3!.

In order to remove residual air from the gas vvalve 241 is interposeddirectly between the conduit 29 and the conduit 22 leading to the vacuumpump 2!. In preparing for operation, the valve 24'! is opened so as todraw a vacuum in the conduit 29, removing residual air therefrom, and isthen closed. V

The chamber B may be-equipped with a pressure gauge 248 and safety valve249.

Figures 30, 31 and 32 show a modified construction for adjusting oradapting the machine for sealing cans of different sizes. Thegroovedcollar 8! is operable by the pins 9! and 92 on the lever 93 asin theconstruction previously described. In the modification, the collar hasthreaded connection with a sleeve 25!! which is slidable on a rod 25!,the upper end of which supports the can pad 4 (not shown in Figures 30,31 and 32) the rod 25! performing the same function as the rod 16 in thepreviously described embodiment. Suspended from the sleeve 250 as at 252is an adjustment frame 253-formed at its lower end with a. guide 254which receives the bottom of the rod 25! for vertical sliding movements.The collar 8'! and adjustmentf-ram 253 together constitute a memberconnecting the actuating part (lever 93) to the rod 16 which carries thecan support 4. Y

Pivoted as at 255 on the frame.253 is a gear sector 256 which mesheswith a rack 25! formed 1 on the lower end portion of the rod 25!. Ahandle 258 secured to the gear sector 256 provides for rotating the gearand thereby moving the rack 251 and rod 25! vertically with respect tothe frame 253 and collar.

For releasably holding the parts in selected positions of adjustment, abutton 259 fits over a boss 26!! on the outer end of the handle 258. A

1 stem 26! secured to the button 259 extends into the boss 26!! and isprovided with a head 262 urged toward the frame 253 by a spring 263. Theframe is provided with a plurality of ,apertures 264 which constitutelocking stations, each adapted to receive the head 262 for maintainingthe handle 258 and associated parts in adjusted position. When it isdesired to change the adjustment, the button 258 is pulled awayfrom thehandle 258 against the urge of the spring 263 so as to move l the head282 clear of the frame 288. The handle 288 is then rotated untilthe canpad 4 is positioned properly in accordance with the size of the can tobe sealed, and the button 258 is then released so as to permit the head282 to move into the then adjacent locking aperture 284.

A pin 285 secured to the adjustment frame 258 is slidable between guides286 on the frame A for holding the frame 253 against turning.

A typical operation of the machine for conditioning and sealing acontainer will be set forth briefly. At the start, the door 3' will beopen and the valve rotor 38' will be in the position shown in Figure 28,so that the cylinder 85 will communicate with the atmosphere and thelink II will,

be held up by the spring H8. The piston 88 will be in its lowerposition, the can pad 4 will be in its lower position, and the rod II8will be in its upper position so that its top end will overlap the armI81 as shown in Figure 16.- The clutch pawl I86 will be in itsdisengaged position as shown in Figure 16.

To prepare for the conditioning and sealing of the can, the by-passvalve 241 is opened to remove residual air from the conduit 29, and isthen closed. A can X is placed on the can pad 4 and a can end Y appliedto the magnetic chuck 5. The door 3' is closed, thereby moving the valverotor 28"- to the position shown in Figure 29 and placing the cylinder95 in communication with the vacuum pump. The piston 96 will be movedupwardly to rock the lever 99 and pull downwardly on the link IOI androd I I8, thereby rocking the lever 93 and raising the can pad 4 and canX to the positions shown in Figure 4. When the stop nut I2I on the rodH8 engages the arms I23, movement of the rod I I8, lever 83 and rod I8will be arrested and continued movement of the link IIII will compressand load the spring I I 4.

The valve lever 24 is then operated to place the condition determiningvalve rotor 23 in the position shown in Figure 27, wherein the chamber Bis in communication with the vacuum pump 2|. Then the valve handle 24 ismoved to position the valve rotor 23. as shown in Figure 26 to placechamber B in communication with the gas conduit 28. When the desiredpredetermined gas pressure is built up in the chamber B, the solenoidoperated valve 3| will close.

During the latter part of the movement of the valve handle 24 to itschamber gassing position, the heel I38 carried by valve handle arm I31will engage the collar I38 and move the rod I28 so as to shift the stopI25 to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 5, thereby disablingthe arms I23 and permitting the rod 'I I8 to be moved downwardly by theloaded spring II4. This will raise the can pad 4 to position thecan Xagainst the can end Y as shown in Figure 4 in readiness for sealing. Thevalve handle 24 may then be returned to its neutral position. v

The clutch control lever 42 is then given a single stroke to momentarilyrelease the clutch trip finger I82 from theclutch pawl I86. The clutchhub I84, the shaft I82, and the cams I8 and 20 will then be given asingle complete revolution and will come to rest when the pawl I86reengages the trip finger I92. During rotation of the cams I3 and 20,the seaming rolls I and I4 will be moved successively into seamingposition and will then be retracted.

The door handle 51 will then be rocked to retract the latch bolt 44 andopen the valve 64, so as to place the chamber B in communication withthe atmosphere and equalize pressure on the in- 16 side and outside ofthe door, permitting it torbe opened easily. Ordinarily the pressure ofthe gas in the chamber will be lower than atmospheric, so that openingof the valve 64 will greatly facilitate opening of the door.

The construction disclosed herein embodies the invention in the form nowpreferred, but It will be understood that changes may be made withoutdeparting from the invention as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a container sealing machine, a sealing chamber, a closure for saidchamber, a container supporting element mounted in said chamberindependently of said closure, sealing means including a container endchuck element in said chamber, power operated means for moving one ofsaid elements relatively toward the other of said elements, andmeansincluding an element operatively connected to said closure andbeing responsive to movement of said closure to closed position foreffecting operation of said power operated means for bringing about saidrelative movement of said elements.

2. In a container sealing machine, a sealing chamber, a closure for saidchamber, a container supporting element mounted in said chamberindependently of said closure, sealing means including a, container endchuck element in said chamber, a pressure responsive piston operativelyconnected to one of said elements, a cylinder in which said piston ismounted, and means for changing the pressure in said cylinder to efiectmovement of said elements relatively toward each other in response toclosing of said closure and to effect movement of said elementsrelatively away from each other in response to opening of said closure.

I 3. In a container sealing machine, a sealing chamber, a closure forsaid chamber, a container supporting element mounted in said chamberindependently of said closure, sealing means including a container endchuck element in said chamber, a pressure responsive piston operativelyconnected to one of said elements, a cylinder in which said piston ismounted, a source of pressure, a valve controlling communication of saidsource of pressure with said cylinder and being settable selectively toopen position and to closed position respectively, and means connectingsaid closure to said valve and being responsive to movement of saidclosure for setting said valve in one of its said positions. when saidclosure is in open position and for setting said valve in the other ofits said positions when said closure is in closed position.

4. In a container sealing machine, a sealing chamber, a closure for saidchamber, a container supporting element in said chamber, sealing meansincluding a container end.chuck element in said chamber, a pressureresponsive piston operatively connected to one of said elements, a

cylinder in which said piston is mounted, a source of pressure, a valvecontrolling communication of said source of pressure with said cylinder,and means connected to said closure and connected to said valve foropening the valve when the closure is moved to closed position and forclosing the valve when said closure is moved to open position.

5. In acontainer sealing machine, a sealing chamber, a containersupporting element in said chamber, sealing means including a containerend chuck element in said chamber, means for establishing apredetermined gaseous condition within said sealing chamber, andpower-operated

